Final answer:
Maslow's hierarchy of needs posits that basic needs must be fulfilled before higher-level needs can be addressed, with self-actualization as the ultimate goal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main idea behind Maslow's hierarchy of needs is that basic needs must be met before higher-level needs. Maslow's theory is depicted as a pyramid, with physiological needs like food and water at the bottom, advancing upwards to safety needs, love and belongingness, esteem needs, and finally, self-actualization at the top. Each level of need must be fulfilled before moving on to the next, with self-actualization as the ultimate goal where an individual reaches their full potential. However, it's worth mentioning that Maslow's theory has been criticized for its lack of empirical support and its inability to account for cultural differences and the complexities of human motivation.